Changing Lanes – Book Tour and Giveaway

Where do you get the inspiration from for your writing? 

Like most writers, I draw my initial ideas from life happening all around – a news article in the paper might spark an idea for example. But when I sit down and begin putting words on paper, the characters tell me their story. I’m a pantser more than a plotter. I know where I want the story to go, but often my vision isn’t the same as my protagonist’s. I show up each day to find out what will happen next. Often, I will be writing a scene and things don’t come together the way I think they should in my mind. I revisit those pages in a day or so and usually discover: I had the wrong people in the scene and/or what I had the character doing/feeling wasn’t what he or she wanted.  Sometimes, I discover that a scene I thought was necessary, the characters didn’t need at all.

“Changing Lanes” is your fifth novel. What are the best 3 tips of advice you can give to any newbies out there who can’t imagine finishing one novel, much less five… words of wisdom you wish you knew? when you began? 

I’ve been fortunate to receive so much great advice from my writing friends.   My first tip would be to get yourself a writing friend or two – find a trusted a critique partner who has been where you are or is there right now.  Your spouse may love you, but no one understands the writing life like a fellow writer. It may take a few tries to find the right partner or writers’ group – just like it takes time to find Mr./Ms. Right. Joining a writers’ association –RWA, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and others, is a great place to start. November is NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) – you might find some local, like-minded writers taking the challenge.

Second tip: I’ve finally embraced showing up every day and writing. (For years I denied this bit of genius, the same way I used to discount ‘eat less-lose weight’). You hear this advice from lots of accomplished authors because it is true. There are days when cleaning the dust bunnies under the bed is a more attractive option than writing even 100 words. I try to sit at my desk at approximately the same time each day and see what spills out.  Surprisingly, most of the time, the characters show up and lots happens.  Even if you just sit there looking at a blank screen, you’re training your brain to get to work. And that’s a good thing.

Lastly, but maybe most importantly, don’t be your own editor. I’m not referring to grammar, spelling, punctuation. I’m talking about letting the words appear on the page, letting the story flow. Believe me, there will be tons of folks with their own opinion of what you should have done, could have done and need to change once you get your story finished.  Often these kind critics have competing opinions.  Stephen King said “write with the door open, edit with the door closed.” And he’s a man who would know.

In this book, we get to know Roxy Adams, a fifty-something woman who’s been dumped by her boyfriend. And her sidekick, Alma Sanchez, a sassy thirty-something disc jockey. Are these characters based on any one you know? 

Anyone who’s ever fallen in love runs the risk of getting dumped. That’s happened to all of us at one time or another. So yes, there is a bit of Roxy inside of me. But more importantly, I admire her courage and bravery at starting her life over as she moves toward her sixties. As for Alma, I think she’s the BFF every woman wants. Alma tacitly gives Roxy approval to tackle truths that ultimately lead Roxy to the secure, peaceful life she seeks.

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Writers have a “process” – some like Scrivener, others use word. Some need music, others need silence. Tell us what it looks like when you sit down and wake the muse for writing. 

My process seems like a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle and I only have about 100 pieces so far. Every day, month or year, another piece drops in my lap or is uncovered. So far, what seems to work (in addition to bum glue) is having a dedicated space where I can leave my notes, research and bits of paper splayed across my desk. The next day everything is waiting for me, seamlessly allowing me pick up the story where I left off.  I mentioned earlier that writing every day at the same time is immensely helpful.  When you’re a writer, other folks don’t seem to understand that this is work. I write early in the day, so I’m able to accomplish a lot before other life demands of seep under my office door. Another reason I write early in the day is the quietness. Peacefulness, before the trash trucks start clanging, works better for my mind.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Right now, Roxy Adams and her friends are drawing me into another mystery, but the details are vague at the moment. I enjoy writing humorous cozies and Roxy is an unforgettable character. I’m curious to see what trouble she’ll get herself tangled up in.

What flavor margarita do you like? 

This might be my favorite question. I’m a purist. Give me a Cadillac margarita on the rocks – no salt and I’m your friend for life.  No fruity flavors.  Same with my tea, no raspberry stuff – black tea, neat.

☺

Claire